Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

Author(s): A Ekambarnathan
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha

Page 124

JAINA EPIGRAPHS
Dr. S. Rajavelu
Epigraphist, A.S.I. Chennai - 600 009.
The epigraphical wealth in Tamilnadu is undoubtedly higher than any other part of Indian subcontinent. They are generally ranging from 5th or 4th century B.C. to 18th century A.D., which provide valuable information on the history of Tamilnadu in particular and social, religious and economic history of this region in general. The earliest lithic records in this region are mostly of Jaina persuasion. These stone epigraphs are found on the beds and brows of the natural caverns, which once functioned as the abodes of Jaina monks in the pre-Christian era. Nearly five hundred and eighty five inscriptions pertaining to Jaina religion discovered all over Tamilnadu shed valuable light on the history of Jainism. The following table shows the distribution of Jaina inscriptions in Tamil country with a chronological order.
500 B.C. 501.00 901- 1401Districts - 500
1400 i 1800 Total A.D.
A.D. 1 A.D. Coimbatore Cuddalore
32 7 5 Dharmapuri - 5 1 2 1
A.D.